How Identity Attacks Are Evolving: December 2025 Threat Insights

Executive Summary

The December 2025 Threat Insights from Delinea Labs reveal a significant evolution in identity attacks, with attackers now leveraging authentic credentials to gain access. In November, a notable shift was observed where hijacking trust relationships became the primary method of infiltration, outperforming traditional break-in techniques. This article outlines emerging patterns and anticipated trends in identity-driven cybersecurity threats, underscoring the need for robust defenses.

 Read the full article from Delinea here for comprehensive insights.

Main Highlights

Authentication without Authorization

• Attacker behavior has shifted to leveraging systems as intended rather than bypassing them.
• Identity attacks focus on exploiting tokens and service accounts, which are increasingly vulnerable.

AI-Assisted Espionage

• AI technology has been employed to enhance targeted identity attacks, allowing for stealthier infiltrations.
• SaaS integrations have become prime targets, exposing organizations to new risks due to automated provisioning.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

• Emerging malware has characterized the supply chain landscape, emphasizing the reliance on compromised identity credentials.
• Security measures need to address the intricacies of identity relationships within supply chains to mitigate risks effectively.

Proactive Defense Strategies

• Organizations must prioritize updating authentication protocols to defend against evolving identity threats.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring can significantly enhance security postures against identity attacks.

 Access the full expert analysis and actionable security insights from Delinea here.